Kenya Partnership

In December 2011, a GLSE County Team are hosting an expedition to Kenya for 25 Explorer Scouts as part of the Explorer Belt Award. During the expedition the team will undertake building works, teach in local schools, celebrate Christmas with over 150 children and confirm a new partnership between Scouting in London and the Kenya Scouts Association. This expedition will provide both those visiting Kenya and those that the expedition are supporting with a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Explorer Belt Award is for 16-25 year olds, promoting adventure and self-reliance in an international environment with a focus on learning about the country they are visiting with a ‘hands on’ approach. During a 12 day stay, the group will work towards projects they have chosen, planned and organised during regular preparation evenings and weekends from April 2011 until departure. They will also be required to take part in a ‘debrief’ on their return and provide a formal presentation to GLSE leaders, supporters, sponsors and other scouting colleagues.

Here are just some of the projects being undertaken by the young people:

Working in orphanages and schools supporting workers/teachers

Identifying the value of sport in Kenyan society - organising sports days for local scouts, communities and schools/orphanages, teaching English games like rugby and learning some local sports

Arranging a day camp for local scouts and exchanging skills

Identifying the challenges faced in everyday life by spending time with a variety of families, helping them in their day to day work.

Building a playground out of locally sourced products

Helping with local renovation projects of community buildings

The team will also be “sharing Christmas with the people of Kenya” in a particularly impoverished area where they will be stationed, providing traditional roast dinner, gifts and decorations.

The team needs to raise approximately £40,000 to fund the expedition and carry out the work planned. Fundraising is already underway locally in many different ways. We are also seeking corporate support such as financial sponsorship or donations of goods and gifts for the people of Kenya. In return for any support given the team will acknowledge the sponsor in their marketing materials (i.e. website and publications), and will invite a representative to the presentation following the expedition.

If you are interested in supporting our young people in any way or have questions, please contact Ben Richardson.